Received a fitness magazine for free!!!

I’m so excited to say that I got a free year subscription of Fitness Magazine!

I also wanted to let you know that you could win the cover look on model Kathy Leutner; makeup by Urban Decay.
On face: Naked Skin Beauty Balm in Light, $34; Naked Flushed Palette, $30.
On eyes: 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Deep End, $20; Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara in Black, $20.
On lips: Revolution Lipstick in Native, $22.
To enter: Mail you full name with subject line “July/ August Cover Look” to coverlook @fitnessmagazine.com
No purchase necessary to win!
Look Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on 6/23/14 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 8/18/14. Open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older. Limit one entry per person and per email address.

Good Luck !

Steak salad with crispy shallots

Ingredients :
6 tablespoons sherry vinegar
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped thyme, plus 4 thyme sprigs
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean top round sirloin steak, trimmed
1 shallot, very thinly sliced
8 cups baby spinach
2 plums, pitted and sliced
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese

Directions:
1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, shake to combine vinegar, 4 tablespoons oil, orange juice, garlic, honey, chopped thyme, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Place steak in a large ziplock bag, add half the dressing plus the thyme sprigs, seal and marinate in refrigerator 4 to 24 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 425* .
Toss shallot with remaining oil and salt and bake on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 13 to 15 minutes.
Transfer to a plate to cool. Remove steak from refrigerator and let come to room temperature.
3. Preheat a grill or a grill pan to medium high. Grill steak 5 to 6 minutes per side.
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes, then thinly slice across the grain.
4. In a large bowl, toss together spinach, steak, plums, goat cheese and remaining dressing. Garnish with crispy shallots.

Source: fitnessmagazine.com

Top websites to buy discounted designer shoes!

What girl doesn’t love designer shoes?

The only bad thing is that they are extremely expensive!
If I had to pick between a beautiful pair of designer shoes or a designer top/pants, I would definitely pick the shoes! Why? You may ask.
Well, If I opted for the designer shoes, it would be an investment; since these shoes are made with high quality materials that won’t hurt my feet and will last me for quite some time as if I were to buy cheaper shoes they will most likely hurt my feet because of the synthetic materials and will probably last me a couple of months; which only means that I probably will end up buying several pairs a year.
I am not saying not to buy affordable shoes ; (especially if you find a pair that is comfortable)However, I have extremely sensitive feet and would rather invest in a good pair of shoes.
Why not care for your feet, especially if your job involves a lot of walking or standing for long periods of time.
Your feet will thank you!
And, on the other hand if you were to buy the designer top/pants instead, your body will feel no difference (unless you decide to buy it to small or too big lol !).

Here are my top websites where you can find discounted designer shoes:

• Nordstrom.com (free shipping)
• Saksfifhtavenue.com (free shipping)
• Macys.com (free shipping with $99 )
• NeimanMarcus.com (free shipping)
• Barneys.com (free ground shipping)
• Bloomingdales.com (free shipping on $150 or more)
• Shopbop.com (free 3 day shipping)
• Yoox.com (free standard shipping)
• Matchesfashion.com (free delivery when using code: USAFREE)
• Footcandy.com (free standard shipping on orders over $100)
• Bluefly.com (free shipping with code: SHIP150)
• Farfetch.com
• Shoescribe.com
• Zappos.com (free shipping)
• Theoutnet.com
•Therealreal.com (must be a member)
• Myhabit.com (must be a member)
• Gilt.com (must be a member)

Happy shoe shopping!

Secret Starbucks drinks you didn’t know you could order!

Starbucks secret menu.

Starbucks secret menu is a collection of beverage creations that have been skillfully concocted by Starbucks baristas and customer enthusiasts from around the world!
There are no secret recipes that Starbucks are trying to keep a secret, just a vast array of syrups and flavorings that can be combined into different combinations.

Remember when ordering a secret menu drink, not all baristas are familiar with the drink names . Please order by recipe!

Banana Split Frappuccino
•strawberries and creme frappuccino
•add vanilla bean powder
•add java chips
•add a whole banana (extra cost)
•top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle

Chocolate chip brownie frappuccino
•vanilla bean frappuccino
•add java chips
•add mocha syrup
•top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle

Horchata Frappuccino
• Tazo chai creme Frappuccino
•add 1/2 pump vanilla syrup
•add 1 pump cinnamon dolce syrup
•add chai syrup
•top with cinnamon powder

Cotton Candy Frappuccino
•vanilla bean Frappuccino
•add 1 pump raspberry syrup

Thin Mint Frappuccino
•vanilla bean Frappuccino
•add 2 pumps of peppermint
•add a scoop of Java chips

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappuccino
•strawberries and creme Frappuccino
•add java chips
•top with chocolate drizzle

Cookies and Creme Frappuccino
•double chocolate chip frappuccino
•blended with white mocha sauce instead of regular mocha
•top with your choice of chocolate or regular whipped cream

Nutella Frappuccino
•regular coffee frapuccino
•2 pumps of chocolate syrup
•1 pump of hazelnut syrup
•whipped cream blended in
•top with more whipped cream

Mojito Refresher
•cool lime refresher
•add 1 pump classic syrup
•add 1/2 pump peppermint syrup
•add ice and blend

Pixt Stix Refresher
•half Passion tea, half Valencia orange refresher
•no water
•no orange slices
•2 pumps classic syrup
•1 pump raspberry syrup

Limeade Refresher
•Cool lime refresher
•substitute water for lemonade
•add cool lime wedges

Orange Peach Refesher
•Valencia orange refresher
•add 3 pumps peach syrup

Fruit Punch Refresher
•start with Valencia orange refresher (including orange slices), with a tad more water than orange
•add 1 pump raspberry syrup
•add 1 pump peach syrup
•shake and enjoy!

Zen Refresher
•half cool lime refresher
•half green tea concentrate (no water)
•add 2 pumps of peach syrup ( optional, to add extra sweetness and flavor)
•ice it and shake it

Lava Flow Refresher
•Iced Passion Tea Lemonade
•add strawberry juice
•add 1 pump classic syrup
•shake, shake, shake!
•add Orange Mango floating on top and enjoy!

Source: Starbuckssecretmenu.net

Note: please order when it’s not busy, have your list with the ingredients ready so you won’t hold up the line and remember that some ingredients are not available year round; plus it would be nice if you tipped your barista 🙂

4th of July Outfit Ideas!

Hello everyone! Are you planning to celebrate 4th of July?
I created different outfit ideas for you; whether you decide to go to the beach, stay home or go out, I got you covered 🙂

Top: $13 cotton.com
Shorts: $35 modcloth.com
Sandals: $27 pacsun.com
Sunglasses: $500 lanecrawford.com
Bag: $2,500 Gucci.com

Swimsuit: $230 Zimmermannwear.com
Sandals: $60 Jildorshoes.com
Tote: $195 toriburch.com
Beach towel: $25 nastygal.com

Dress: $1,534 shopstyle.com
Shoes: Bagheeraboutique.com
Bag: $298 Lordandtaylor.com

Top: $30 Topshop.com
Skirt: $220 aliceandolivia.com
Shoes: $75 vincecamuto.com
Bag: $3,500 shopbop.com
Necklace: $22 amazon.com

Top: $56 stellamccartney.com
Shorts: Rag & Bone
Sunglasses: $79 glassesusa.com
Scarf: $25 solesociety.com
Shoes: $45 vans.com

Top: only.com
Jeans: mango.com
Bag: $198 dailylook.com
Sunglasses: $425 shopbop.com
Shoes: $975 Valentino.com

Top: $405 bysymphony.com
Shorts: $20 mango.com
Shoes: $625 saksfifthavenue.com
Necklace: $50 solesociety.com

Jumpsuit: newlook.com
Shoes: $120 aldoshoes.com
Necklace: $120 amazon.com
Bag: $195 Rebecaminkhoff.com
Phone case: $9 forever21.com

Swimsuit: $69 Venus.com
Hat: $20 amazon.com
Sunglasses: $138 shopbop.com
Tote: $236 Asos.com
Flip flops: $50 Scoopnyc.com

Top: $168 net-a-porter.com
Jeans: $198 matchesfashion.com
Bag: $100 shoptheshoebox.com
Necklace: $45 Guilt.com
Shoes: $70 solesociety.com
Eyeliner: $31 Lancôme.com

Liebster Blogger Award

Hello everyone ! I just found out that I have been nominated for my first Liebster Award !
Something completely new to me but fun that involves sharing love for other beauty blogs ! Thanks to the lovely ladies Maria and Maria from M&M’s Meeting Point for nominating me !
Please make sure you check out their blog.

But first things first, here are the rules:

(*) You have to link back to the person that nominated you.
(*) You must answer all 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you.
(*) After completing these questions you must nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers and give them 11 questions of your choice.
(*) You must not nominate the person who nominated you.
(*) You must let your nominees know that they have been nominated and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it.

And here are my answers:

1. How did you become a makeup lover?
I remember that it was at around age 5. I would see all the makeup my mom had in the bathroom and that mesmerized me; so every opportunity that I had I would “pretend” to go the bathroom and use everything I could then wash it off so my mom wouldn’t notice.
But there was a time that I forgot to clean my lips (they were bright red) and my mom asked what I have been doing; I answered that I just had to go to the bathroom…then she just looked at me with a smile.

2. What was your first makeup brand?
Cover Girl

3. Smokey eye or bold lips?
Smokey eye!

4. What is your current foundation?
I have three: Estee Lauder Double Wear, Makeup Forever HD and Revlon Colorstay

5. How do you prefer to spend summer vacations: on a beach or traveling around?
I would say travelling. I like to go sightseeing with my family!

6. Your 3 staple beauty products
A must for me: mascara, concealer and beauty blotters.

7. Your favorite makeup brush
My favorite makeup brushes right now are from Sonia Kashuk.

8. Your favorite music artist/band
I really don’t have a favorite, but I like Michael Buble, Adele, Bruno Mars, One Republic and Jesse & Joy.

9. Fake tan or real tan?
Fake tan because it’s much healthier. (even though I don’t need it I’m already dark enough LOL!)

10. What is your favorite summer scent?
I have several: Daisy by Marc Jacobs, DKNY Be delicious and CK one.

11. What was the last book you’ve read?
Divergent, since I have two teen daughters that wouldn’t stop talking about this book; that I had to read it. I must say that I really enjoyed it !

Bloggers that I nominate:
TiFitz
Talk Beauty With Me
Bean to Beauty
magicalmaxine1979
London Fashion Queen
Clara Gordon Esthetician
Chrislyn’s Chandelier
Lauren’s Wardrobe
Meg Jacobs Blog
MAKEUPWITHANNA
PLAY IN HEELS

And the questions for you, ladies:

1. What motivated you to start blogging?
2. What is your favorite beauty item that you can’t live without?
3. What is you favorite movie?
4. What is your favorite type of food?
5. At what age did you start wearing makeup?
6. What is your favorite TV show?
7. What is your favorite color?
8. If you had the opportunity to interview a celebrity, who would it be?
9. Describe your dream vacation
10. What is on your wish list?
11. What is your favorite place to buy cosmetics?

Don’t forget to check the rules above and hope to read your answers very soon!

Family fun day

Hello, my wonderful friends!
Just wanted to wish you a wonderful day:)
I’m off to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee , Illinois (theme park ) . I am considering going on the new ride called Goliath. I’m a little scared since it’s been at least 10 years since I don’t go on roller coasters !!! (I’m scared)

Goliath is a triple record-breaking roller coaster, the world’s tallest, steepest, and fastest wooden roller coaster. According to Six Flags, it boasts an 180-foot drop, near-vertical 85-degree fall, and top speeds of 72 mph.

Wish me luck .

10 Commandments for dogs

Hello everyone !
I just wanted to share with you an article that I read and left me teary-eyed. It also gave me the urge to go pick up my cute dog Daisy and tell her how much I loved her!

If you own a dog you will understand…

The Ten Commandments from a Dog’s Point of View

1• My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.

2• Give me time to understand what you want from me; don’t be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.

3• Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.

4• Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.

5• Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.

6• Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it, and if it’s cruel, it may affect me forever.

7• Please don’t hit me. I can’t hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don’t ever want to do this.

8• Before you scold me for being uncooperative ,obstinate ,or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right foods or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. It may be I am just dog-tired.

9• Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort and attention .

10• Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say “I can’t bear to watch “or “Let it happen in my absence “. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

Author: Stan Rawlinson
www. doglistener.co.uk

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did !

When to throw away your cosmetics

To help reduce skin irritation and eye infections, it is important to get rid of any cosmetics or skincare that might be expired.

I know that sometimes we don’t remember the exact date on which we bought the item or have no clue on how to read the manufacturers code.

How to read manufacturing date
MFD/MFG/M
Abbreviation of manufacturer, after MFD/MFG/M will be numbers which stands for the manufacture date.
For example: M28.09.13 -> This product was manufactured on 2013 September 28th
Sometimes written differently: M13092811 -> manufactured on 2013 September 28th at line 11

A13H18
A is the first letter of the alphabet, which means it’s the first month of the year which is January . 13 means the year on which it was manufactured 2013.
After the H is the date, 18th
For example : A13H18 -> January 2013, 18th

How to read expiration date
EXP
EXP is the abbreviation of expiry date.
For example: Exp12.25.2013 ->
2013 December 25th

BBE/BE
First two numbers means months, the next two numbers years, third pair of two means manufacturing code, last two means date.
For example : 0714LF02 -> 2014 July 2nd

Open jar picture

Open jar picture lets you know exactly how many months you can use it after opening.

List of Cosmetics and approximate shelf life

Mascara: 3 months
Liquid eyeliner: 6 months
Eyeliner: 1 year
Lip liner: 1 year
Brow liner: 1 year
Foundation: 1 year
Cleanser: 2 years
Moisturizer: 2 years
Powder: 2 years
Blush: 2 years
Lipstick: 2 years

Additional Tips
• wash your sponges after each use and throw away after 1 month
•wash your brushes regularly
•never share your mascara
•keep a journal of your cosmetic purchases
•sharpen your lip liner or eyeliner before using
•if you notice that your lipstick has s rancid smell , Throw it away !

I really hope you found this information helpful .
Please let me know if you have any additional tips !

Braised Balsamic Chicken

I love cooking, but sometimes I get a little discouraged when I prepare a meal and not everyone likes it 😦

Do you like me, sometimes find yourself making the same recipes over and over and want to to try something new, but you’re afraid how it’s going to turn out?

Well, I am happy to say that I found a recipe online that had many great reviews ,so I just had to try it .
Wow ,was it a hit at my house! (everyone was asking for more )
The only thing is that I had to decrease the amount of balsamic vinegar and added some chicken stock to cut down on the acidity level (only because I have a sensitive stomach).

Braised Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts halves
• 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 1 (14.5) ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

Season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken breasts until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add onion; cook and stir until onion is browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
Pour diced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken; season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

I served this dish with mashed potatoes and green beans .
It also goes well with rice or pasta.

I hope you give this a try , it’s healthy and so easy to make !

Source: Allrecipes.com